Tips for Finding Home Sweet Home in Any Market
A Practical Guide to Navigating an Unpredictable Housing Market
Between a fluctuating housing market and sky-high mortgage rates, those in the market for a home today may find the home-buying process tricky to navigate. KeyBank’s 2024 Financial Mobility Survey1 found that inflation (40%), competition in the market (36%), and interest rates/mortgage rates (34%) are weighing heavily on the minds of recent and prospective homebuyers. But surprisingly, just 37% of these respondents are mapping out a budget and financial plan to save for their home purchase. Regardless of the current economic conditions, there is hope for achieving the dream of home ownership in any market — and there are many steps and resources available to help you meet this goal.
Tip 1: Create a Dedicated Savings Account for Your Down Payment
Putting aside money in a dedicated savings account is one of the first steps in the right direction of saving for a home. And, according to KeyBank’s survey, it’s the most common savings tactic (43%) among those who are in the market for a home. These funds can be used for a down payment at the time of purchase, generally 5% to 20% of the total loan amount.
However, waiting to purchase a home until you have saved past your goal can help ensure you have emergency funds ready for any added expenses. According to the survey, half of new homeowners (51%) expect to use more of their savings next year as compared to those in the market for a home (45%) or who don’t own a house (35%). Ensuring you have extra money set aside can help you be prepared for unexpected expenses. For a full picture of your finances and professional counsel before you begin your home-buying journey, reach out to experts at KeyBank or other counseling agencies certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Tip 2: Check Your Credit Score
When applying for a mortgage, your credit score will influence whether you will be approved and determine your interest rate. Among those who completed the KeyBank 2024 Financial Mobility survey who are in the market for a home or have purchased one in the past 12 months, one-third (34%) cited interest and mortgage interest rates as a top factor influencing their purchasing decision. During your home-buying journey, try to avoid closing any active credit cards or opening new cards or lines of credit, as this can negatively affect your score. A few years in advance of shopping for your home, you can begin building your credit by opening and maintaining a credit card such as the Key Secured Credit Card.2 You should also ensure you are paying your bills on time, keeping your credit card balances low and disputing any potential errors that may appear on your credit report before applying for a mortgage.
Tip 3: Establish a Relationship With a Mortgage Loan Officer
Find a mortgage loan officer you trust who can help assess your overall finances and provide a personalized approach to finding the right mortgage. In fact, among KeyBank survey respondents who are in the market for a home or who have purchased a home in the past 12 months, 19% said that meeting with a mortgage loan officer to learn about programs that help make buying more affordable is a top influence. Mortgage Loan Officers can also help you plan for additional costs that may be incurred in the purchase of the home, such as moving and renovation expenses, homeowner’s insurance, interest, taxes, and more.
If you’re not quite ready to meet with a mortgage loan officer, consider using online tools such as mortgage calculators to further understand what is needed to purchase your home.
Tip 4: Identify Ways to Reduce Out-of-Pocket Costs
While these options vary, many states and financial institutions offer assistance programs for first-time homebuyers and other borrowers. Based on your income and location, you may also be eligible for special purpose credit programs, including grants, additional loans, interest rate discounts, and other assistance for closing costs and fees that may come with financing a new home. KeyBank, for example, offers three Special Purpose Credit Programs3 to help borrowers with qualifying properties in eligible low- to moderate-income communities — including the Neighbors First Credit, which provides up to $5,000 toward closing and other costs4 that may come with a new home for qualifying properties, and the Key Opportunities Home Equity Loan,5 to assist with home improvement costs following your big purchase. You can find more information about programs like these online or contact your bank to help you access these resources.
Sustainable homeownership is a wealth-building tool that can help families and neighborhoods grow and thrive. For additional insights and resources on homebuying, homeownership, and other financial topics, visit the KeyBank Mortgage Center or find a Key Mortgage banker here to help you.